Embu MCAs launch impeachment bid against finance CEC Joe Kamaria

Embu County Assembly resolves to oust Finance CEC Joe Kamaria over alleged incompetence and contempt. [Courtesy]

Embu County Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Finance and Economic Planning County Executive Committee Member,Joe Kamaria, citing gross misconduct, contempt of the legislature and incompetence.

The move comes after persistent accusations that Kamaria failed to submit quarterly reports on budget implementation and revenue performance, and repeatedly ignored summonses by the Assembly's Finance Committee. His conduct, MCAs say, undermined the Assembly's oversight authority.

Despite finally appearing before the Committee of the Whole Assembly chaired by Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Swaleh (Kirimari Ward), Kamaria was accused of evasion, presenting questionable documents, and openly admitting to withholding key financial information.

MCAs expressed frustration that Kamaria had on several occasions delegated non-accounting officers to appear in his place-a gesture they viewed as both disrespectful and deliberately evasive. His apology, citing administrative oversights, was dismissed as insincere and arrogant.

Some of the documents presented were allegedly forged or never officially submitted to the Assembly. The admission of withholding information was flagged as a violation of Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees access to information.

"We cannot entrust someone who disrespects oversight institutions with managing billions of taxpayers' money," said one Ward Representative.

The Assembly has cited Sections 22(3) of the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, and Section 40 of the County Governments Act to support the disciplinary action.

With a formal motion expected in the coming days, Prof. Kamaria's fate now lies with the full Assembly.